Looking for info on a dinner and tea service left by great aunt

I don't think you have given enough detail for an opinion. Can you put a photograph on? My son is very interested in "stuff" from that period and may be able to help you.

Yes good idea, I will get up there later and fetch some down. Thanks

That was easier than I thought, here's a photo

(Not sure why it is on sideways though!)

Thanks for that it is a familiar design and I will get my son to look when I see him.
If is in good condition I would imagine that anyone interested in that period would be delighted to pay for it.

Thanks- there is actually the mark 'Alfred meakin' on the plates and saucers (didn't see that the other day as I only picked up a cup) I have found references to the design now via Google but haven't been able to find a full index to find out the years it was produced. Am sad now I didn't ask when I had the chance- there's bound to have been a story attached - my great aunt was never married as her fiance was killed in WW2, and she was an early career woman (though from things she said I think she was 'childless' rather than 'child free' IYSWIM). I so wish I'd asked more. I need to think about whether to keep and display it maybe, it's not something I'd use, but actually on display it would be quite nice. (Though DH will no doubt not approve...)

Thanks, mumsnet have tracked it down as 'green pheasant' design, so hopefully I should be able to find out the years of production now

I am so pleased you have an answer, and do ask all " those questions" now while there is someone round to answer them. I am now the oldest generation in my family (78) and one of my biggest regrets is not asking my mother and aunts more about family and other things.

Alfred Meakin often appears in retro catalogues. I had dinner/tea/coffee sets by this manufacturer when I married in 1967, in fact I still have the coffee set.

A good name from the Potteries. Do you now have an auction house near you. I regularly take stuff to our local auctionneers, Gildings in Market Harborough- and they are happy to chat and give advice and value, by appointment. Love going to the auctions when we are there too:

Unless you need the cash (and to be honest, who doesn't with a young ish family) I'd be so tempted to hang on to this. It's a family heirloom

You could look in eBay to see what it is likely to fetch.

You could look in eBay to see what it is likely to fetch.

Definitely sell it. It's pretty horrible. And it would collect the dust on display, even in a cabinet.

Oh JBR beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
althoughiagreewithyoucompletely

At least it has a bit of character unlike the soulless white china everyone seems to have these days. I loved working in a china dept in the 70s. There was such a huge variety then. Brides would come in and choose 'their' china then add to it as time went on. Sadly no more. I must confess though that I have a dinner set and 2 teasets in boxes that I inherited, am not likely ever to use but can't bring myself to sell. Too much family history. They were ancient relatives' pride and joy and it would feel a betrayal to get rid of them. Will just pass on the responsibility to DD (who will probably chuck it all without a second thought. ) Oh tempora o mores (or something!)

I would be wary about selling it through an auction house, although they will give you advice. Go to any auction house when there is an antiques and collectables sale on and there is always heaps of china - dinner and tea services and part services - for sale, and frankly they don't sell for lots of money unless it's a 'name' like Suzy Cooper or Shelley. By the time you've taken auction fees and vat into account you'll probably end up wishing you hadn't bothered. There is a market for vintage china, but people seem to make more use of the cups and saucers and small plates these days. They are popular packaged as trios with chocolates or biscuits in the cup and sold as gifts. I will be interested to hear you decide to do with yours.

Agree, I wouldn't sell in an auction house, unless the auctioneer agrees on a sensible reserve - but they will tell you what it is, date and probable sale value.

I love to watch the Antiques Road Show, and others- but I am always so surprised that people will sell real family heirlooms with a huge sentimental value, for very little anyhow. But yes, if you hate it, sell it to someone who will love it.

Is there not a makers mark on the bottom?

teacupfairy.co.uk
Try sending the picture to these people They might be able to help or point you in the right direction

I got side tracked looking at some of these very pretty tea sets.

I now live near the Potteries. It is said that after a few years living around here you always start turning the China upside down to see if it's one made in Stoke on Trent.

My grandparents lived near the Potteries and when I was thinking of selling some of their lovely tea services I discovered that they were all seconds.

It's about time I read all the previous posts.

My mum bought this in the 50 or 60s. Royal Doulton Cascade . I still have it but it's not really used it is very pretty though. (My mum strove to be posh but never quite made it.)

It is a very pretty pale sage green. The colour does not show too well on here.

Example of auction room prices: 40 piece Minton bone china dinner and tea service, very pretty floral pattern, good condition, knocked down at £25 yesterday, before sellers fees are deducted and buyers fees are added on! Nothing really, is it?